Ground Floor Government

PhoneLive.io

Ground Floor Government is the podcast for the people who make local government work—behind the scenes. Hosted by David Plappert, founder of PhoneLive.io, this show gives city and county clerks, IT leads, communication pros, and public servants their time at the mic. ㅤ Each week, we dig into what really keeps cities and counties running—last-minute meeting prep, tech shifts, team leadership, and the quiet but essential work of transparency and public service. If you’ve ever hit publish on a public notice, stayed late to prep a meeting, or solved a problem no one even saw coming, this show is for you.

  1. 13h ago

    From Court to Community (with Odie Donald) | Ep. 106

    Summary The conversation explores the journey of a public servant who transitioned from a professional basketball career to various roles in government, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, workforce development, and innovative service delivery. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of affordable housing, and the value of frontline workers in local government. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Transitioning from sports to public service can lead to unique insights.Overcoming personal challenges can enhance one's ability to serve others.Community engagement is crucial in disaster response and recovery.Affordable housing is a key issue for urban development.Budgeting should be transparent and involve citizen participation.Innovative approaches can improve government service delivery.Frontline workers play a vital role in community well-being.Local government allows for immediate impact and feedback from citizens.Listening to community needs is essential for effective governance.Public service is rewarding both personally and professionally. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  2. 5d ago

    From 9/11 to Public Service (with Dustin Sternbeck) | Ep. 105

    Summary In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Dustin Sternbeck, the Chief Communication Officer of Denton, Texas. Dustin shares his unique journey into public service, driven by the events of 9/11 and his desire to make a positive impact in his community. He discusses the essential skills needed for success in local government, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. Dustin highlights the importance of community projects, such as the 31 Days of Denton Halloween, which significantly boosted local tourism and revenue. He also addresses the challenges of budgeting and resource management in local government, emphasizing the need for creativity and strategic thinking. Throughout the conversation, Dustin shares valuable advice for aspiring local government professionals, encouraging them to embrace their unique perspectives and take risks in their careers. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Dustin's journey into public service was inspired by 9/11.Public service is about making a positive impact in the community.Essential skills for local government include problem-solving and critical thinking.Community projects can significantly boost local tourism and revenue.Budgeting in local government requires creativity and strategic thinking.Effective communication is crucial for balancing stakeholder interests.Building relationships is key to success in local government.Aspiring professionals should embrace their unique perspectives.Taking risks can open doors in a local government career.Dustin emphasizes the importance of a 'next play mentality' in public service. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  3. Aug 12

    The Art of Storytelling in Local Government (with Jenna Martin) | Ep. 104

    Summary In this episode, Hugh Plappert interviews Jenna Martin, the Director of Public Relations for Shelbyville, Indiana. They discuss Jenna's unexpected journey into local government, the challenges and strategies of effective communication within the government, the importance of technology and ADA compliance, and the diverse opportunities available in local government careers. Jenna emphasizes the significance of storytelling and community engagement in her role, as well as the evolving nature of civic engagement in today's society. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Jenna Martin's journey into local government was unplanned but fulfilling.Effective communication is crucial for local government to connect with the community.Technology plays a significant role in modern public relations within government.ADA compliance is an ongoing challenge that requires attention in all projects.Civic engagement has increased significantly in recent years.Local government offers diverse career opportunities beyond traditional roles.Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging the community.Collaboration with various departments enhances communication efforts.Emergency management communication is vital during crises.Newcomers to local government should focus on informing rather than convincing the public. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  4. Aug 10

    From Classroom to Community (with Vickie Hathaway) | Ep. 103

    Summary In this episode, Vickie Hathaway shares her journey into local government, discussing her educational background, the challenges she faces in communication and marketing, and the importance of stakeholder relationships. She emphasizes the creativity required to work within budget constraints and the diverse roles within local government. Vicky also highlights the differences between theoretical knowledge and real-world experience, particularly in emergency communication. She encourages listeners to consider a career in local government as a way to make a tangible impact in their communities. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Vickie Hathaway's journey into local government began with a class at the University of Arizona.She has a background in public administration, not communications, but brought her interests in media to her role.The communications team in Marana has evolved to include multiple specialists and a cohesive strategy.Challenges in local government often arise from rapid growth and limited resources.Building relationships with colleagues is crucial for overcoming challenges in communication.Successful projects require proactive public relations strategies from the design phase to execution.Budget constraints necessitate creative solutions in communication efforts.Stakeholder communication requires understanding and valuing different perspectives.ADA compliance is an ongoing challenge in communication projects.Local government offers diverse career opportunities that allow for tangible community impact. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  5. Aug 7

    From Theme Park to Local Government (with Angela Wilson) | Ep. 102

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Angela Wilson, the Deputy Public Information Officer of Frederick, Colorado, shares her unique journey from managing events at a theme park to her current role in local government. She discusses the importance of effective communication, crisis management, and building trust within the community. Angela emphasizes the need for proactive communication strategies, especially in infrastructure projects, and how to navigate budget constraints while maintaining quality. The conversation highlights the significance of relationships across departments and the impact of local government on community engagement. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways A city can be likened to a theme park, offering diverse experiences.Effective communication is crucial in local government roles.Crisis management requires building trust with the community.Proactive communication can prevent misinformation.Infrastructure projects need early and strategic communication.Budget constraints challenge creativity in local government.Building relationships across departments enhances communication.Local government offers opportunities for community engagement.Residents can significantly impact local government decisions.Public service is about making a difference in people's lives. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  6. Aug 5

    Building Trust in Local Government (with Lora-Marie Bernard) | Ep. 101

    Summary In this episode, Lora-Marie Bernard shares her journey from journalism to becoming a public information officer in Lake Jackson, Texas. She discusses the importance of trusted sources in building community relationships and the challenges she faced on her first day in municipal government. Laura highlights the stability of city government careers compared to the private sector and emphasizes the unique dynamics of various city departments. She also addresses the need for trust in local government and shares creative initiatives to engage the community. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Trusted sources are crucial for career advancement.Transitioning from journalism to government can be rewarding.Day one in municipal government can be chaotic.City government offers more stability than private sector jobs.Understanding different city departments enhances communication.Building trust in local government is essential for community engagement.Creative initiatives can foster community spirit.Engaging with residents through social media is vital.Local government employees often form a close-knit community.Effective communication can help alleviate public concerns. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  7. Aug 3

    From Photography to Public Service (with Melissa Harmer) | Ep. 100

    Summary In this 100th episode of the podcast, host Hugh Plappert interviews Melissa Harmer, the Communications Director for Raymore, Missouri. Melissa shares her unique journey from a career in photography to her role in local government, discussing the challenges and successes she has faced along the way. The conversation highlights the importance of communication in local government, the impact of inclusive community projects, and the skills needed to navigate the complexities of public service. Melissa emphasizes the rewarding nature of working in local government and encourages others to consider careers in this field. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Melissa transitioned from a photography career to local government.She faced significant challenges, including a year-long battle against a landfill development.The city of Raymore is a pioneer in inclusive playground design.Effective communication is crucial in local government roles.Budget constraints require careful planning and justification for funding requests.Authenticity in communication fosters trust with the community.Digital accessibility standards are becoming increasingly important.Collaboration across departments enhances community service.Many behind-the-scenes roles in local government are vital to community well-being.Working in local government can be rewarding and fulfilling. Sponsored by Switchboard.Live

  8. Jul 31

    From Police Officer to County Executive (with Mike Callagy) | Ep. 99

    Summary In this episode of Ground Floor Government, host Hugh Plappert interviews Mike Callagy, the County Executive of San Mateo, California. Mike shares his unique journey from being an undercover police officer to leading a county with a vast array of responsibilities. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of empowering leadership within his team, and the impactful projects like the Navigation Center aimed at addressing homelessness. The conversation also touches on budgeting for community needs, the significance of communication skills in local government, and the diverse workforce that contributes to effective governance. Mike emphasizes the moral obligation of ensuring digital accessibility and the tangible difference local government can make in people's lives. Ready to explore your own local government career options? Download this free guide on how to transition into a successful career in local government: https://icma.org/documents/breaking-local-government-guidebook-career-transitions Takeaways Mike Callagy's journey from police officer to county executive showcases diverse career paths in local government.The role of a county executive involves managing a large workforce and a significant budget.The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges that required quick adaptation and innovative solutions.Empowering team members and fostering leadership skills is crucial for effective governance.The Navigation Center project exemplifies successful community initiatives addressing homelessness.Budgeting reflects the priorities of local government, focusing on health and welfare.Effective communication is key to navigating the complexities of local government.Motivation in law enforcement is about helping people and making a positive impact.Digital accessibility is both a legal and moral obligation for local government.Local government plays a vital role in making tangible changes in communities.

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About

Ground Floor Government is the podcast for the people who make local government work—behind the scenes. Hosted by David Plappert, founder of PhoneLive.io, this show gives city and county clerks, IT leads, communication pros, and public servants their time at the mic. ㅤ Each week, we dig into what really keeps cities and counties running—last-minute meeting prep, tech shifts, team leadership, and the quiet but essential work of transparency and public service. If you’ve ever hit publish on a public notice, stayed late to prep a meeting, or solved a problem no one even saw coming, this show is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    PhoneLive.io
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 PhoneLive.io
  • Show Website
    Ground Floor Government